Transfer Policy Needs Teeth

CHRISTY CABRERA CHIRINOS ON HIGH SCHOOLS

Transfers happen. And no matter how many parents will say the moves are made for academic reasons, we all know that isn't always true.

There is fierce competition for college scholarships, and parents know a good player on a good high school sports team has a much better chance for exposure than, say, a great athlete on a not-so-stellar team. So what happens? Sometimes, Mom and Dad start shopping for a better "experience."

The transfer situation has gotten out of control with some athletes playing varsity sports for two, three or even four different high schools. Today, the Florida High School Athletic Association will have the opportunity to do something; it will vote on a proposal that would limit a student's ability to bounce from school to school.

IT'S ABOUT TIME.

The proposal being considered will force athletes to miss a year of varsity play if they transfer schools without a change of residence during their high school career. If a student does transfer schools without moving, they'll be forced to play sports at a "sub-varsity" level ... think junior varsity.

The state is allowing provisions -- it's not fair to punish a student whose parents move or who had to leave a private school and enroll in a public school because of a change in financial circumstances.

But the biggest challenge for the FHSAA will be backing this policy if it's passed. Some parents will challenge the state and hire lawyers to keep their children on the field. The legality will be tested.

If the state can pass and enforce the new regulations, coaches and athletic directors such as Bill Caruso of Cypress Bay will have a system they can be proud of.

"The bottom line is, do [FHSAA officials] have the guts to back it up?" Caruso asked. "If they back it up, I'm all for it. I think it's a shame that some kids have played at four schools in four years. It's wrong."

Hopefully, that will stop.

ON THEIR WAY

More of Broward's top high school football players have made oral commitments as Signing Day approaches. Deerfield Beach lineman Mike Blanc committed to Auburn, while Pompano Beach's Myron Lewis, a first-team All-County selection, committed to Vanderbilt. Western standout Jarred Corey has chosen Villanova and teammate Joe Krissel is headed to Pennsylvania. Fort Lauderdale quarterback Matt Johnson, also an All-County selection, orally committed to Bethune-Cookman. Another All-County selection, Boyd Anderson quarterback Herb Bynes, committed to Hampton University. Former Boyd Anderson standout Eric Wilson is headed to Rutgers.

Sarah Quinlan, a Cypress Bay sweeper, committed to William & Mary.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

The field for this year's girls' BCAA Big 8 has been announced, and two of the county's traditional basketball powers won't be at South Plantation. Dillard, the defending Class 5A state champion, and Deerfield Beach, the Class 6A state runner-up, didn't qualify for the tournament.